Family:

Fabaceae

Kennedia prostrata

Running Postman

Other Names: Scarlet Coral Pea, Scarlet Runner.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted in Buckargingah district. Probably also on similar country elsewhere in region.

Habitat & Site Selection:

Rocky outcrops, mainly coastal or inland districts. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerates limited inundation, dappled shade, extended dry periods and most frost. 

Habit:

Prostrate or twining perennial herb with single scarlet flowers along stems, late winter to spring. May die back to rootstock during harsh conditions and re-shoot later.

Seed Collection:

Mid Dec to early Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed soon after mature.

Propagation:

From scarified seed (± 20 viable seeds per gram), which should germinate 11-30 days after sowing. Also from cuttings, which strike readily. Pour very hot or boiling water over seeds and soak until water cools before drying and sowing.

Regeneration:

Recolonises bare areas after fire.

VALUES:

Land Protection:

Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Good habitat. A food plant for caterpillars of native butterflies and moths.

First Nations:

Sucked nectar and used stems as twine.

Ornamental:

Useful groundcover for rockeries, embankments, slight slopes, containers and hanging baskets.